Mets ink reliever Bottalico

[WebHamster]

Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Mets signed relief pitcher Ricky Bottalico to a minor-league contract Wednesday and asked him to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Bottalico, 34, appeared in just two games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season and pitched just 1 2/3 innings. He was 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA, spending most of the year with Arizona's Triple-A affiliate in Tucson.

The six-foot righthander opened his career with Philadelphia and spent seven seasons with the Phillies during two stints in the city. He was an All Star with the team in 1996, posting a career-best 34 saves during that season and again in 1997.

During a 10-year major league career, Bottalico is 28-38 with a 4.03 ERA and 114 saves over 462 relief appearances with Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City and Arizona.

[kentx12]

Im suprised he didn't make the team out of spring.

[Super GM]

Botallico should definately help a scary Mets bullpen. I remember when he played for the Phils and the Royals. On both teams he was pretty solid. (So was Mike Stanton though and he hasn't exactly impressed me, but oh well....)

[raiders_umpire]

ricky had a pretty good year for the mets in 2004


3.38 era, 3-2 record, 69 innings pitched , 61 k's


the mets need some of their 2005 bullpen to step up like ricky did last year...

[Amazinz]

I think Heath Bell is going to be a pleasant surprise.